The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Swanson homer powers victory
The good news is the Braves (34-22) won their fourth consecutive game. The bad news is Max Fried left after one inning with an ankle injury. Here is the recap:
The details
Making his final start before the playoffs, Fried sustained the injury while fielding a bunt in the top of the first. The team said the move was precautionary. Manager Brian Snitker was optimistic Fried avoided a serious injury.
At the plate
The Braves took a commanding lead with a fiverun fourth inning. Dansby Swanson, who went 2 for 3, delivered the big blow with a three-run homer. Ozzie Albies went 2 for 4 with two RBIs.
On the mound
Luke Jackson relieved Fried and got the win as he worked four innings and allowed three hits and two earned runs. Three relievers followed and allowed just one hit in four innings.
Notable
■ Swanson is well past his recent 1-for-30 skid. He has a hit in three consecutive games, going 5 for 10 with two homers, a double and four RBIs in that time. He has two homers in his past 10 plate appearances after hitting the same number across his previous 20 games (93 plate appearances) this month.
■ The Braves are 18-8 at Truist Park this season, averaging more than six runs.
■ The Braves are 6-3 against the Marlins this season and 35-12 against them since 2018. Their dominance over Miami has been critical during their National League East three-peat.
Quotable
“He tweaked it a bit on that bunt. He was down in the dugout, and it was like, ‘I’ll give it a try.’ And I said, ‘If you don’t think you can go, we’re not going to screw around with anything like that.’ Because that’s all he needed to do was go out there and try to get by and hurt his arm or something.” – Brian Snitker on Max Fried’s injury
Next
The Braves end the regular season with a three-game series at home against the Red Sox. Go to AJC.com for a complete report of Thursday night’s game against the Marlins.